First word!

I am thinking of entering Annie in this photo contest, because she is so dang cute! She looks completly ready for Valentines day! I am loving watching her grow! Today she said her first word, no it wasn't mama or dada, it was Will!! can you believe that?! Big brother obviously has made and impression on her, plain as day she said his name the second he walked in the room. Thinking it was a fluke he left the room and came back in and sure enough she said Will again!! Man am I bummed, not as bummed as Paul though, he was positive that it would be dada. Sorry honey!, looks like we both got the shaft!

sleeping anywhere is a gift, so is a clean house!

We caught our little sleeping princess, asleep in her walker. She heard us sneak up and woke up, but the fact that she can sleep where ever she wants is truly a talent. She always looks peaceful and sweet. Our attempt to clean our house got interrupted by this sweet thing constantly that day. I have officially decided that I am putting a sign on my wall that says "My house was clean last week, sorry you missed it!" I cannot keep my house clean no matter how hard I clean or how long I clean. Perfection is impossible, and I strive for the day my house can be clean for 5 minutes! So I officially appologize for anyone who visits my home. You are always welcome, just don't be offended that its not clean!

Just goofin around!!

Annie and Emery just woke up from a nap, and Annie was being such a ham! She thinks she is so funny. I can't believe she is almost 6 months. She is almost crawling, well scooting on her belly is more like it. She rolls everywhere, and loves playing with her brothers. Its passing so fast Ican't stand it. We hope everyone is having a great new year!

What?!? Christmas is coming?

This was taken at Williams Christmas concert. Annie is growing so much, and she is becoming such a Ham. She laughs at everything, smiles at everyone, and thinks she is so funny. We hope you all enjoy your holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Paul and Annie were just chillin before the party got started. Grandpa and Paul have always been the best of buds. This picture is so great. Poor Grandpa had to sit all night while everyone took turns taking pictures of him.

We had the Barrett Christmas party the Saturday before Christmas. It was so fun, that Santa decided to drop by for a visit. William was prepared to talk about his list he just sent off, and Emery was so excited that Santa didn't even have a chance to sit down before Emery yelled"you better remember to bring my Diego play set!" And Annie just wanted to eat the bells on his suit. Any thing that can go in her mouth will. Paul and I even had a chance to tell Santa how good we have been this year. Of course he didn't buy it. The party was great, the food was great. And as always Grandma had the wonderfully disgusting smell of sauerkraut. The men love it though, but its the women that have to suffer the after effects of it. Grandpa and Grandma were in great spirits, and its always nice to see family.

New Chapter in life

Our newest member of our family has recently arrived from Iraq. He is from Utah, but served in the Army. My sister and her now ex-husband John got divorced this past year,and Jennie met Dallas. He is very nice, and they got married December 26th. Welcome to the family!

Harkness Christmas Party

On the sunday before Christmas it was the Harkness Christmas party. Everyone comes to this party. We played the right and left game, had a wonderful dinner, and had a pinata. Grandpa and his girl just hung out. About 7 years ago we lost our Nana and Grandpa, they started some wonderful traditions. All which we have tried to keep going. Somedays I find myself thinking of them, and how much I miss them. One tradition my Grandpa did was sing a song called the teddy bear song, well the best person to take his spot is my Dad. so he now sings the song. It was great to see everyone, especially those who have moved away.

On Christmas Eve we were so blessed to have Oma and Opa with us. They came for dinner and gifts. Opa has been going through a very rough patch lately. About 7 months ago he was diagnosed with cancer, and tumors. He went through chemo and treatments, and a couple of weeks ago he found out he has tumors on his brain. Every minute is precious, and we love being with them. We were so grateful they came.

On Christmas Eve we exchanged $5 stockings. we go to the dollar store and choose the goofiest gifts that fit the person whos name we drew. We all got some pretty funny gifts. Then Banana gave all the grandkids new pajamas and she made not bought MADE slippers for them all.
They decorated cookies for santa, we had mexican for dinner, and it was a party. Little did we all know one of the biggest snow storms was brewing outside.